But Texas Gov. Rick Perry, speaking Saturday to an annual gathering of Scouts from around Texas, discussed his own experiences in scouting and made it clear he's against changing the Scouts' controversial policy.

"Scouting is about teaching a substantial amount of life lessons," Perry said. "Sexuality is not one of them. Never has been and doesn't need to be."

The Boy Scouts have previously reviewed their policy on not accepting gays as members. Last year, after a two-year review of the rule, the Scouts reaffirmed their longstanding policy as it has been a continual target of numerous protest campaigns.

James Turley, the chairman of Ernst & Young, and Randall Stephenson, CEO of AT&T, vowed in 2012 to work together to change the Boy Scouts' policy after a den leader in Ohio was ousted from her position due to her sexual orientation.